CultureWorks started in 2010 as a consulting firm that was being run from a basement. It’s no longer a below-ground operation. Now located at 1315 Walnut St. in The Philadelphia Building, the organization is a fully fledged arts management commons that aims to give a voice to artists by offering them the opportunity to be a part of […]

Philadelphia is struggling with a huge literacy deficit: roughly two-thirds of adults are considered low-literate and don’t maintain basic literacy skills, according to the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board. In the face of this deficit, there has been an overwhelming response by both the community and institutions fighting to promote literacy in the city. The Free Library […]

Jean Solar came to the United States from Chile two years ago. Despite his professional training as an engineer in his home country, Solar has been unable to secure a work visa in the United States and is struggling to assimilate to the culture. He hopes that by spending time learning English and exploring the city, he […]

The Free Library of Philadelphia has a new branch, but this one has rims, wheels, brakes and a box full of books above a three-speed handlebar. Known as a “Book Bike,” this new outreach initiative is a fully functioning mobile library that attends events around the city. Employees hope to inspire the public to more fully embrace […]

Sheila Avelin, owner and manager of Big Blue Marble Bookstore in Mount Airy, strives to maintain a cozy and accessible literary space within the fast-paced technological world. Located at 551 Carpenter Lane, Big Blue Marble is nestled in a central part of town, neighboring the Weavers Way Co-op and Moving Arts of Mt. Airy. Avelin, a former English teacher at […]